Dig Greece Semester Abroad

The Dig Greece Semester Abroad program is organized by The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies and the Faculty of Environment at SFU. Since its inception in 2008, the program has invited a group of students to spend a semester living on the island of Kefalonia, Greece. There, they learn to excavate an ancient cemetery dating back to 500BC while gaining fourteen credits towards their degree.

The program’s director, Professor Geoffrey Schmalz, teaches the students all aspects of an excavation: from preparing the dig site to documenting their finds, they actively participate in each step. Since previous archaeological experience is not required, the program has been popular with students of all faculties and various post-secondary institutions throughout BC. In addition to the dig, students immerse themselves within Greek culture on various field trips, including tours of Athens, ancient Olympia, and the famous Mycenaean sites of Mycenae and Tiryns.

Dig Greece 2011 saw the highest number of applications yet. In June 2011, twenty students had been selected to participate in the fourth semester of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

 
What This Program Offers:

·  14 course credits
·  Opportunity to internationalize your degree
·  A hands on approach in the unique dig experience
·  Archaeological and cultural field trips
·  Play an important part in uncovering the remains of an ancient Greek community
·  Travel while completing your studies
·  Uncover a piece of history!


Testimonials:

"The program is one of the best i've had the chance to experience. I have been on numerous archaeology field programs and Geoffrey is one of best directors I have had the privilege of working for. The people or Poros are worth the trip by themselves, the program is just a bonus." - Fall 2009 student

"What an amazing adventure this program was! Not only did I get to explore a new culture and learn how to excavate an ancient cemetery, but I made great friends in the process. It was absolutely the most memorable experience of my undergraduate career." - Fall 2008 student 

"The semester abroad in Greece was an amazing experience! If you have ever been tempted to go to Greece - give in! I will always remember excavating in the ancient Pronnoi cemetery, swimming in the Ionian Sea, and the incredible field trips we went on! You too will fall in love with Greece - it truly was amazing!" - Fall 2008 student 

"This was the best thing I've done with my education - it changed my life!" - Fall 2008 student 

Learn More:

Location: Kefalonia, Greece
Courses Offered
Program Calendar
Accommodations
Program Fees
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